Year 7 Welcome Booklet

YEAR 7 WELCOME BOOKLET

“Pupils have exceptionally positive attitudes to their learning”. Estyn Croeso i Ysgol Gyfun Bryntirion

This booklet has been designed to help you when you start school at Bryntirion. After reading this booklet, we are sure that you will know a lot more about the school and will be looking forward to starting here in September 2020.

HEADTEACHER - MR PAWAR I am delighted that you will be joining Bryntirion in September.

I realise that you will have visited the school , but it is possible that you may still have some questions about the school and what happens here.

I hope this booklet will answer those questions and also give you an idea of the activities that I hope you will enjoy at the school.

Enjoy the Summer holidays and prepare yourself for a busy time at Bryntirion.

HEAD OF YEAR 7 - MRS WALKER I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to Bryntirion Comprehensive School.

I hope that you are looking forward to joining us in September. I am sure that you will enjoy the exciting and varied school days at Bryntirion. We work hard at all times and enjoy the rewards that come with it.

This booklet has been prepared to help you and hopefully answer any questions which you might have before you start in September.

Remember I am always here to help you. Map of the School Site The school will probably look huge when you first come to visit, you might even think that you will never find your way around, but after a few days you will get to know the place. Just in case you need it, we have included a map of the school. Every room is clearly labelled with the block you are in and then the room number, e.g. D5. Your timetable will tell you the room you will have your lesson in.

H Block M Block D Block C Block

F F F B A Block E Block Block

Entrance Steps

MOVEMENT AROUND THE SCHOOL You will be moving classrooms 5 times a day. At Bryntirion, we expect sensible, safe and considerate movement around the school.  Always keep to the left  Walk at all times, never run  Be courteous to staff and other pupils  Always get to lessons on time  The bells are to indicate the start and end of a lesson School Distinctive Dress

AUTUMN & WINTER TERMS

WHERE CAN IT ITEM DESCRIPTION BE PURCHASED?

Plain white shirt (long or short sleeved) that is White shirt Anywhere suitable for tucking into skirts or trousers. Years 7-11 wear the same black, gold and teal tie Local uniform School tie but the sixth form have a distinctive one supplied retailers by the school when they enter the sixth form. Plain black tailored trousers. Leggings, jeans or skin tight trousers are not permitted. Plain black tailored skirt. Straight, pleated or swing skirts are acceptable as long as they are tailored Black trousers or skirt and hemmed properly; no dipped or uneven hems, Anywhere chiffon or unusual material or decorations. Skirts should not be too tight or short. The skirt should be approximately knee length. Skirts should always be worn with black opaque tights. Black school jumper Years 7-11 - Black with school logo. Local uniform or cardigan with retailers school logo Years 12 & 13 - Black with sixth form school logo. Plain black, low heeled shoes. Trainers/sports Black school shoes Anywhere shoes are not permitted at any time of the year. Black socks or Socks and tights should be black. Tights should be Anywhere opaque tights opaque and a least 80 denier. A smart, practical all weather coat that can be worn Coat over uniform. Hooded, fleece style tops, obvious Anywhere logos, denim or leather coats are not permitted. Sixth Form As above but with the addition of:- Plain black tailored blazer with full length sleeves. It should be worn with the school enamel badge on Black blazer Anywhere the lapel. The blazer should be worn in addition to the school jumper.

ALL ITEMS OF UNIFORM AND PROPERTY SHOULD BE CLEARLY MARKED WITH THE OWNER’S NAME SUMMER TERM WHERE CAN IT BE ITEM DESCRIPTION PURCHASED?

White school polo shirt White polo shirt with school logo Local uniform retailers

Plain black tailored approximately knee length shorts. Cycling shorts or very short Black tailored shorts shorts are not permitted. The shorts can be Anywhere worn with black or white ankle socks but should still be worn with shoes, not trainers.

Physical Education All students

WHERE CAN IT BE ITEM DESCRIPTION PURCHASED? Plain green or black sports shorts. Plain Green or black shorts black leggings are also acceptable in cold Anywhere or black leggings weather (no logos) Green / black school PE T-shirt with school School PE T-shirt Local uniform retailers logo School PE hoody Green school PE hoody with school logo Local uniform retailers (optional) These can be any colour but should be Trainers Anywhere designed for active wear School sports socks Green / gold sports socks Local uniform retailers Gum Shield Advised for rugby and hockey Anywhere (optional) Girls Green skort needed for certain sports, e.g. Green skort Local uniform retailers netball One piece swimsuit of any colour or design. One piece swimsuit Bikinis or two piece swimming suits are not Anywhere allowed. Boys

School rugby top Green / gold school rugby top Local uniform retailers

Football / rugby boots Studded football / rugby boots Anywhere

Swimming trunks / Swimming trunks / shorts (any colour) Anywhere shorts

Technology / Food

ITEM DESCRIPTION WHERE CAN IT BE

Apron Plain full length apron, any colour Anywhere DISTINCTIVE CLOTHING AWARDS The school, through the local Education Department, makes allowances to some pupils attending school, subject to eligibility by assessment, towards the cost of distinctive school clothing. Parents seeking further advice on this matter may contact the appropriate Head of Year.

HAIR AND GENERAL APPEARANCE Parents are expected to encourage pupils to observe acceptable standards in dress and appearance. Hair should be a sensible length, style and colour (no unnatural hair colouring is allowed). Vision must not be impeded by hair. Make-up must not be worn in school, and neither should hair cosmetics be used, especially in the Science Laboratories and Technology Workshops.

JEWELLERY The only jewellery which may be worn in school is one small plain stud in the lobe of each ear. Pupils are not allowed to wear any other form of body jewellery in the interests of their own health and safety.

VALUABLES It should be clearly understood that all items of personal property are brought on to the school premises at the owner’s risk. The school cannot be held responsible for any losses incurred and no claims for reimbursement for any losses sustained will be entertained.

MOBILE PHONES It is strongly recommended that mobile phones be left at home. The school cannot accept responsibility for the loss or damage to such equipment.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION In order to assist parents and guardians when it comes to purchasing uniform, we have added a number of photographs to show our uniform as we would ideally like it to be worn. These will enable parents and guardians to make informed choices about trouser styles and acceptable skirt lengths.

Tailored black skirts with the length coming to just above the knee.

White shirt, school tie and jumper, with tie done up neatly.

Tailored trousers, not too tight, made of appropriate material.

Black, low heeled, polishable shoes.

Suitable examples of shorts and skirts THE SCHOOL DAY

08:40 - 09:00 Registration/Tutor Time

09:00 - 10:00 Lesson 1

10:00 - 11:00 Lesson 2

11:00 - 11:20 Break Time

11:20 - 12:20 Lesson 3

12:20 - 13:20 Lesson 4

13:20 - 14:00 Lunch

14:00 - 15:00 Lesson 5

It is advised that pupils strive to be in school for 8.30am to attend registration at 8.40am. YOUR FIRST DAY Your first day will be spent as follows:-  Meet with Head of Year at 8.40am in the Senior Hall in block E.  Your Form Tutor will then take you to your form class to prepare you for the week ahead. You will be given your personal timetable and your Form Tutor will answer any questions that you may have.  Lunch arrangements - Lunch will be held in the Senior Hall for Year 7 pupils.

THE YEAR SYSTEM The school consists of year groups and each year group has a Head of Year.

YEAR HEAD OF YEAR 7 Mrs Walker 8 Ms Herbert 9 Mrs Poole 10 Mr Walters 11 Mr Farrell 12/13 Mrs Allinson QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Here are answers to some of the questions that you might have about joining Bryntirion in September.

What do I bring on the first day? You will need a bag, pencils, pens, rubber, sharpener and ruler. You will also need sandwiches or dinner money loaded onto the cashless catering system.

Do I need any books? No, you will not need any books. Your subject teacher will give you the books that you need.

What happens if I lose my things or forget my dinner money? Go to your Head of Year and they will help you.

Will I be in the same class as my friends? You might not be in the same class as all your friends, but you will certainly be with some of your friends.

What if I get lost? Any teacher or older pupil that passes you will be pleased to help. There is also a map in this booklet.

What if I have to leave school for an appointment? Ask your mum/dad/guardian to write a note for you. Show it to your Form Tutor and you will receive an exeat form, to be signed by your Head of Year. You then hand in this form to the school office (upstairs in E block) on leaving.

What if I feel ill during school? If this happens during lesson time, tell the teacher who is taking your lesson and they will call for a duty officer. If this happens during break or lunch go to see your Head of Year.

What if I am unhappy in school? Speak to your Form Teacher or your Head of Year who will be happy to help you.

What do I do if I am absent?  Ask someone at home to let us know on the FIRST day  Always bring a note when you return and give it to your Form Tutor  It is very important that you copy up all the work that you have missed as soon as possible.

SCHOOL MEALS

DINNER LADIES Our school has many helpful and friendly dinner ladies who work during the lunch break.

THE FOOD Lunchtime, the canteen offers three types of meals:-  Main Track (main meals)  Fast Track (fast food)  Green Track (salads sandwiches etc)

The prices are reasonable. We use a cashless catering system which your parent/ guardian will be invited to join before you start. Alternatively, you can bring your own packed lunch. This can be eaten outside or in the canteen.

BREAKFAST BAR In addition to lunch, there is a breakfast bar at break time. This offers a variety of snacks. These bars are in D and E block canteens.

SUBJECTS ART & DESIGN This is a subject that provides pupils with a variety of experiences in using different materials to produce pieces of art work. ENGLISH You will read all kinds of stories, poems, plays and media articles. As well as this, you will develop your own skills as a young writer. You will have the chance to debate, recite and take part in school plays.

FRENCH In the course of the year, pupils in Year 7 will learn about France and the French speaking world. You will engage in small playlets and conversations in French about yourselves, your families and friends.

GEOGRAPHY An introduction to the world, its environment and the way man has made an impact are just some of the topics covered in this subject.

HISTORY This course aims to promote an understanding of the nature of change in history. Pupils are encouraged to act like detectives and use clues to build up a picture of the past. They progress to evaluate evidence and acquire historical skills.

I.T. In this subject, you will learn new I.T. skills and develop ones that you already have. You will learn about databases, spreadsheets, desktop publishing as well as using the Internet. Lessons are interactive using a wide range of packages, introducing you to skills which will benefit you in other subjects and eventually the world of work. SUBJECTS MATHEMATICS In this subject you will learn many new mathematical skills and develop ones you already have. As well as this, you will be taught to investigate and use I.T. to aid your understanding of mathematics. It will be hard work, but it will all add up to great fun!

MUSIC In Music you will learn to play and sing a variety of music. You will also learn to compose and you will listen to and discuss a variety of musical styles. There may be an opportunity to learn a new instrument, to sing in the school choir and to take part in the school show. PHYSICAL EDUCATION To look good is to feel good. PE is for everyone. Experience all activities available and find out what you enjoy doing during your first year.

HEALTH & WELLBEING An opportunity to discuss personal and social experiences. A lifelong process.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION This is an exciting and relevant subject where you will investigate the World’s faiths, cultures and how we integrate and work with people of different faiths. This is a life-long learning process. SUBJECTS SCIENCE During Science lessons, you will spend a lot of time planning and carrying out experiments which will help you to understand and enjoy Science.

TECHNOLOGY Here you will have the opportunity to investigate, design and evaluate using the following materials: food, metal, plastics, textiles and wood.

WELSH There is always a lot going on in this department. You will talk, read, write and sing in Welsh, join their educational visits and take part in all the activities going on. SPORTS & GAMES

There are a number of sports available at Bryntirion Comprehensive School. During the Winter, rugby is the main sport for boys and netball the main sport for girls. Matches are played against other schools. During the Summer, athletics and tennis are enjoyed by both boys and girls. Bryntirion also has its own swimming pool which is in regular use. TEACHING STAFF

Mr Pawar Mr Beard Mr Allinson Mr Williams Mrs Owen Mrs Hawkes Headteacher Deputy Assistant Assistant Assistant Assistant Headteacher Headteacher Headteacher Headteacher Headteacher

Mrs Walker Ms Herbert Mrs Poole Mr Walters Mr Farrell Mrs Allinson Head of Head of Head of Head of Head of Head of Sixth Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Form

Mr Ashford Miss Bailey Mrs Bees Mrs Bentley Miss Bevan Mathematics Science Welsh Mathematics English

Miss Cartlidge Ms Cavill Mrs Clarke Mrs Clement Mr Curtis RE DT Health & Social Science English Care TEACHING STAFF

Mr Davies Mrs Davies Mr Edry Miss Evans Miss Evans Science Music Mathematics PE Art

Mr Evans Mrs Finselbach Mr Gray Mrs Gray Mrs Gregory Mathematics DT History Mathematics Science

Mrs Griffiths Mr Harris Ms Hopkins Mrs Hunt Mr James DT ICT Mathematics Mathematics Science

Mr Jones Mr Jones Mr Jones Mr Kinsella Mrs Le Goudiveze Science ICT Geography DT French TEACHING STAFF

Miss Lewis Mrs Lowry Mr Mahoney Mrs Markey Mrs Matthews Geography English PE English RE

Mrs McNaught Mr Parry Mr Penn Dr Preece Miss Rees Welsh Science ICT Health & Welsh Wellbeing

Mrs Richards Miss Rimmer Mr Rowe Miss Rowe Mr Rubery ALN English Skills Challenge History Geography

Miss Salles Mrs Scorey Mr Shell Miss Simpson Mr Spratt Health &Social Mathematics History RE Art Care TEACHING STAFF

Miss Thomas Mrs Thomas Mrs Turner Mr Vaughan Ms Wear English English PE English Mathematics

Mrs Williams Mrs Williams Miss Williams Mrs Workman PE Welsh RE Science

The following staff will also be joining us in September:-

Siobhan Sullivan - English Teacher

EDUCATIONAL VISITS & EVENTS

SCHOOL EISTEDDFOD 2020 SCHOOL MUSICAL 2019 ‘SCHOOL OF ROCK’ WELSH TRIP TO URDD CAMP LLANGRANNOG 2020 HISTORY TRIP FRANCE/ BELGIUM 2020 HAVE A GREAT SUMMER HOLIDAY. WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOU JOINING US IN SEPTEMBER.